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Is An Online Degree Right for You?

With the ever-changing job market and increasing competition for stable, well-paying jobs, more and more adults are seeking additional education to help them in their current professions or to prepare them for a career change. For people who are working full time, online learning, sometimes referred to as distance learning, can be a great choice.

Taking courses online enables you to pursue an advanced degree without sacrificing the time you spend with your family or the momentum you have in a career track. Online programs allow learners to take courses when it's convenient for them. Without set classroom time, learners can work on assignments from home, the office, or on the road -- as long as they have access to e-mail and the Internet.

The practicality and convenience of online learning has helped it become a popular choice among busy adults. Currently, there are hundreds of thousands enrolled in online degree programs. University of Phoenix, the largest accredited university in the United States - and leading online university -- helps more than 180,000 working adults achieve their academic and career goals every year.

Online learning offers many benefits. Most programs have rolling admissions and courses begin frequently so students can get started quickly.

Going to school online means no hurried commute to make it to class in time. Students can log on to their course any time of day. And online programs typically cater to adult learners, so courses focus on material that's important and practical.

Choosing the right school is key to a positive and rewarding online learning experience. Prospective students should understand the options available and investigate which programs best suit their needs.

Here are some guidelines from the experts at EarnMyDegree.com that will help you make an informed decision:

1. Is the institution accredited? An accrediting agency evaluates such things as financial stability, admissions and student services, student learning and more.

2. Does the institution have both an online and traditional brick-and-mortar presence? This gives you the option of attending some classes on campus.

3. Does the institution have adequate student support services? Can they help you with choosing the right program? If you have technical problems with the online systems, can they help you resolve them?

4. What are the qualifications of the instructors? In addition to academic credentials, instructors may also hold high-level positions within their field of expertise, enabling them to share valuable, real-world experience which can be immediately applied to your career success.

5. What is the success rate of alumni?  Ask about the program's graduation rate and job placement assistance.

The cost of online programs varies widely. The good news is that students enrolled in online degree programs are often eligible for the same types of financial assistance as traditional students, including scholarships, federal loans, grants and tuition reimbursement.

More about online courses around the Web:

The Pros and Cons of Online Degree Programs - Discussion on the upside and downside of distance learning including what it takes to be an independent student.

Online Degree Reviews Written by Students - Hundreds of visitor-submitted reviews with insider tips on the best and worst of online degree programs including related feature stories and resources.

Alameda University - The Best Online Degree Advice - Helpful intro to the subject with tips on how to begin by researching options, identifying your goals and application to an appropriate degree program.